What is Simian Foamy Virus (SFV)?
Foamy viruses are a family of retroviruses commonly found in non-human primates (monkeys, chimpanzees, baboons and macaques), but also in cows, cats and other animals. To date, no diseases or health conditions have been identified with foamy viruses in either humans or animals. Retroviruses have RNA, rather than DNA, as their genetic material. When a retrovirus infects a cell, its genome is incorporated into the host cell’s DNA, which ultimately leads to the production of more viruses. SFV is a type of foamy virus found in non-human primates. About 70-90% of non-human primates born in captivity have SFV. Animals with SFV do not display symptoms or become ill.
